ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Despite rising military tensions between Pakistan and India in May 2025, militant groups were unable to significantly intensify their operations within Pakistan, according to the latest monthly security report released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS).
Slight Rise in Attacks, But No Major Escalation
PICSS recorded a total of 85 militant attacks across the country during May, marking a 5% increase from the 81 incidents reported in April. These attacks resulted in 113 deaths and 182 injuries, with security personnel and civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
Of the fatalities, 52 were security personnel, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four members of peace committees. Injuries included 130 civilians, 47 security personnel, four militants, and one peace committee member. Despite the uptick in attacks, security analysts noted that the numbers did not indicate a large-scale escalation given the regional tensions.
Security Operations and Militant Casualties
In response to militant activity, Pakistani security forces conducted numerous operations throughout the month. These efforts led to the deaths of at least 59 militants and five security personnel. Another seven security personnel and five militants were wounded in these operations. A total of 52 suspected militants were apprehended.
Combined figures from militant attacks and counter-terrorism operations brought the total number of deaths in May to 172—comprising 57 security personnel, 65 militants, 46 civilians, and four peace committee members. Injuries totaled 194, with civilians once again the most affected group.
The report highlighted a notable shift in trends: while security personnel fatalities rose by 78% compared to April, militant deaths saw a steep 68% decline. This made May the first month since October 2024 in which militant casualties dropped below triple digits.
Regional Breakdown: Balochistan and KP Hit Hardest
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remained the focal points of militant violence, accounting for 82 out of the 85 reported attacks:
Balochistan experienced 35 attacks resulting in 51 deaths (30 civilians, 18 security personnel, 3 militants) and 100 injuries. Militants also kidnapped nine individuals. A tragic blast in Khuzdar targeted a school bus, killing eight children and two staff members.
Merged Tribal Districts of KP saw 22 attacks causing 45 deaths, including 23 security personnel, 12 civilians, six militants, and four peace committee members. A drone-related incident in North Waziristan that killed four children led to public outrage and demands for an independent probe.
Mainland KP (excluding tribal districts) reported 25 attacks that left 14 dead (10 security personnel, 2 civilians, 2 militants) and 24 injured.
Sindh recorded three incidents, which resulted in three deaths—two civilians and one security official.
No Attacks in Punjab, AJK, or Gilgit-Baltistan
Significantly, no militant attacks were reported from Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), or Gilgit-Baltistan during the month. However, Punjab accounted for the highest number of militant arrests, with 39 suspects detained in targeted operations.
In a notable security raid in Rawalakot, AJK, four alleged members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed.
While overall militant activity remained relatively stable in May, the disproportionate impact on security forces and civilians underscores the evolving nature of threats in Pakistan’s security landscape. The PICSS report suggests that despite regional volatility, domestic counter-terrorism efforts have managed to prevent a major escalation—though significant challenges persist, particularly in Balochistan and KP.
